Another year of outstanding GCSE results has been celebrated at St Thomas More Catholic High School in Crewe.

Despite reductions in top grades affecting all schools nationally this year, a third of all grades awarded to the school’s pupils were either A* or A and 91% achieved five or more of the high grades – A*-C.

Among the high achievers are Emily Cross and Cecily Hadrill, who each achieved nine A* grades, and Bridie O’Connor, who achieved an A at AS-level, seven A* GCSEs and one grade A.

John Hillerby achieved seven A* grades and two As and twins Harley and Megan Rathbone achieved 11 A* grades and five As between them.

In addition, Lawrence Purcell achieved seven A* grades and two As. He is heading to nearby South Cheshire College to study A-levels.

Alice Simmons, who achieved five A* grades and five As, said she was relieved to have finally received her results.

She added: “It’s sad to be leaving but it is exciting moving onto something new. We will all be celebrating tonight!”

Ryan Loberinto, who picked up a number of B-TEC qualifications, has his sights set on a career in business and will be studying a B-TEC Level 3 in business at South Cheshire College, before hopefully moving onto university.

Headteacher Edward McHugh said: “The pupils of our school year on year achieve excellent examination results.

“The tremendous results this year contribute to this very high level of consistency. They are the outcome of pupils who have worked with great dedication and benefited from inspirational and exceptional teaching.

“I would like to pay tribute to the huge contribution of parents, governors and all those associated with the school who ensure this consistently high level of success can be achieved.”